Amsterdam, 17 September 2026 – SkyNRG announces today that its CEO and co-founder, Maarten van Dijk, has made the personal decision to step down as Chief Executive Officer on 31 December 2026.
Since co-founding SkyNRG in 2009, Van Dijk has, together with Theye Veen, led the company from an ambitious start-up to a globally recognised leader in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Under his leadership, SkyNRG has helped create and develop the global SAF market, established a strong international presence, secured long-term customer relationships and developed a world-class project portfolio.
Van Dijk’s decision comes as SkyNRG enters its next phase of growth as it turns its ambition to become an owner and operator into reality. Construction is underway on DSL-01, its first large-scale SAF production facility in the Netherlands. At the same time, SkyNRG continues to advance its international project portfolio, through developing its own projects including Project SkyKraft in Sweden and Project Wigeon in the United States as well as through strategic M&A opportunities. Combined with the company’s growing commercial business and strong network of customers, partners and shareholders, SkyNRG’s activities transition from market development and project origination towards large-scale SAF production and operations.
As SkyNRG evolves from a SAF pioneer into a producer and operator of SAF facilities, Van Dijk believes this is the right moment for a new leader to guide the company’s next chapter. He will remain CEO until 31 December 2026 and will support the company during the handover period through the first quarter of 2027. The Board has initiated the search for a successor and appointed leading executive search firm Egon Zehnder to support the process.
Maarten van Dijk, Co-Founder & CEO, said:
“After careful reflection, I have decided to step down as CEO of SkyNRG after more than 17 years leading and building the company. I believe this is the right time, both personally and for SkyNRG.
SkyNRG is in a very strong position. We have an amazing team and very supportive shareholders. The start of construction on our first large-scale SAF production facility marks a major milestone and, together with our strong commercial business and international project portfolio, provides a solid foundation for future growth.
I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved, and I am deeply grateful to our employees, customers, partners, shareholders and everyone who has supported us along the way. Leading SkyNRG has been the greatest privilege of my professional life, and I am committed to supporting a smooth transition.”
Theye Veen, Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer, said:
“Maarten’s contribution to SkyNRG has been extraordinary. Together, we have built a company that has shaped the development of the SAF market while creating the distinctive culture that defines SkyNRG. I want to thank him for his leadership, his friendship and all the fun we have had over the years.
Our focus remains firmly on advancing our project portfolio, supporting our customers and partners, and maintaining the strong momentum across the business.
Kate Vidgen, Chair of the Board of Directors at SkyNRG, said:
“Maarten has played a defining role in building SkyNRG into the company it is today. He is an originator and a builder. The start of construction on SkyNRG’s first large-scale SAF production facility is a testament to his long-term vision and leadership, and to the capabilities and commitment of the entire organisation.
While we are sorry to see Maarten step down, we fully respect his personal decision and appreciate the thoughtful way in which he has approached it. The Board shares his confidence in SkyNRG’s leadership team, strategy and long-term growth prospects. The Board is committed to ensuring continuity throughout the transition and appointing a new CEO to lead SkyNRG into its next phase of growth.”
Note to editors
About SkyNRG
Since 2009, SkyNRG has been a change maker in the aviation industry. We are dedicated to supplying and producing high-integrity Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), making sustainable aviation a reality. Collaboration is fundamental to achieving our ambition. We nurture genuine relationships with global partners in our drive to make SAF the alternative to fossil jet fuel. Our in-house team of SAF experts have helped over 60 airlines and +100 corporates reduce their climate impact using the Book & Claim mechanism; the most transparent and traceable way to support aviation sustainability with real emission reductions. Sustainability is woven into the fabric of our company proven by our B-corp certification. We maintain an independent Sustainability Board, which advises the company on feedstocks and provides strategic guidance on wide-ranging sustainability issues. SkyNRG operations are certified against the RSB EU RED, CORSIA, and Book & Claim standards. Learn more at skynrg.com.
